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People talk of it as a free operating system. This happens to include the meaning of free in price, but really it's using the word free like free speech or freedom.
The principle idea is that you should be able (legally, morally), to edit anything you want on your own machine, if you own it. With other systems, like Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS X, you're at the mercy of that company. If they change something that you don't like, tough.
Linux is very popular on servers. Many websites run it, as it's very stable, and uses resources very well. It's also running in many small devices too, due to the latter advantage I've just given.
However, it is different to Windows, just as Mac OS X is different to Windows.
Much work is being done to make it more user friendly for the average PC user, but due to its background and more technical userbase, some more 'technical' aspects are still there, that aren't with Windows. For example, you may have to change some setting by entering commands, instead of just clicking a few tick boxes. This isn't as mandatory as it used to be, but it's still there (and will likely remain for a long time).
Ubuntu is a 'distribution' of Linux that is widely used and well-supported.
http://www.ubuntu.com
If you fancy diving in and giving it a go (perhaps before buying a netbook), you can freely download a CD image, burn it to a disc, then try it on your own computer, straight from the CD. Once you've finished playing, you can click restart, and the CD will be ejected and you'll be back to Windows, without any changes.
Most netbooks come with a custom version of Linux that the manufacturer has chosen, but it's pretty easy (given the freedom nature of Linux explained above) to install Ubuntu or some other distribution you prefer.
The principle idea is that you should be able (legally, morally), to edit anything you want on your own machine, if you own it. With other systems, like Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS X, you're at the mercy of that company. If they change something that you don't like, tough.
Linux is very popular on servers. Many websites run it, as it's very stable, and uses resources very well. It's also running in many small devices too, due to the latter advantage I've just given.
However, it is different to Windows, just as Mac OS X is different to Windows.
Much work is being done to make it more user friendly for the average PC user, but due to its background and more technical userbase, some more 'technical' aspects are still there, that aren't with Windows. For example, you may have to change some setting by entering commands, instead of just clicking a few tick boxes. This isn't as mandatory as it used to be, but it's still there (and will likely remain for a long time).
Ubuntu is a 'distribution' of Linux that is widely used and well-supported.
http://www.ubuntu.com
If you fancy diving in and giving it a go (perhaps before buying a netbook), you can freely download a CD image, burn it to a disc, then try it on your own computer, straight from the CD. Once you've finished playing, you can click restart, and the CD will be ejected and you'll be back to Windows, without any changes.
Most netbooks come with a custom version of Linux that the manufacturer has chosen, but it's pretty easy (given the freedom nature of Linux explained above) to install Ubuntu or some other distribution you prefer.
-- answer removed --
Thank you all for your imput...has enlightened me tremendously.
Thinking of getting small notebook to take with me on my travels and many of them are Linuz.How would this work regarding using abroad,moneywise.
I have a T-MobileUSB Modem for my laptop which I find absolutely great when on the move...but...it costs a fortune to use outside the UK !!!!
Thinking of getting small notebook to take with me on my travels and many of them are Linuz.How would this work regarding using abroad,moneywise.
I have a T-MobileUSB Modem for my laptop which I find absolutely great when on the move...but...it costs a fortune to use outside the UK !!!!
if you can get the T mobile dongle to work on Linux (and thats not certain) then the cost of using it will not differ at all.
the operating system in the netbook makes no difference to the charges that Tmobile will levy on you for using their service.
it's a bit like asking "I have an expensive panasonic phone, if I plugged a cheap one from tesco into my phone line would my phone bill be cheaper?"
the operating system in the netbook makes no difference to the charges that Tmobile will levy on you for using their service.
it's a bit like asking "I have an expensive panasonic phone, if I plugged a cheap one from tesco into my phone line would my phone bill be cheaper?"
ahhh
allow me to contradict my learned friends
ignore the better worse or whatever ... it's really a subjective decision some like mac, some like windows some (a lot fewer that the other two) like Linux.
it's used on a lot of devices ... true ... but so is windows (far more mainstream appliances than you may think use the windows kernel).
and it's not true to say that they are all built for linux - many of the intel atom processors are optimised for MS software
HOWEVER
you say to take on your travels
business or leisure?
if just leisure ... I'd try a bootable linux CD as the others suggest - or just accept that it's not a windows computer.
if it's both or mainly business ... you can get windows netbooks ... and that way you won't have to make do with "almost looks like" substitute software - also games will work!
if you can wait ....
by march there should be a new generation of atom processors released which will knock spots off the current batch
allow me to contradict my learned friends
ignore the better worse or whatever ... it's really a subjective decision some like mac, some like windows some (a lot fewer that the other two) like Linux.
it's used on a lot of devices ... true ... but so is windows (far more mainstream appliances than you may think use the windows kernel).
and it's not true to say that they are all built for linux - many of the intel atom processors are optimised for MS software
HOWEVER
you say to take on your travels
business or leisure?
if just leisure ... I'd try a bootable linux CD as the others suggest - or just accept that it's not a windows computer.
if it's both or mainly business ... you can get windows netbooks ... and that way you won't have to make do with "almost looks like" substitute software - also games will work!
if you can wait ....
by march there should be a new generation of atom processors released which will knock spots off the current batch
If you buy a netbook with the intention of using it only for the purpose they are made for - surfing the net - then Linux will do a fabby job,
You'll be able to browse the internet and email no problem at all, and the boot up time is faster.
Great for word processing too - remember to change the default in OpenOffice to the Word format and it will be compatible with Word. No good for writing books as the keyboards are too small for comfort over prolonged periods.
Remember netbooks don't have a cd or dvd drive.
If you intend running your mp3 player, sat nav and other peripherals you MAY have problems with compatibility but you might enjoy a challenge.
I badly want a Linux notebook but I can't justify buying one as I never go out. :)
You'll be able to browse the internet and email no problem at all, and the boot up time is faster.
Great for word processing too - remember to change the default in OpenOffice to the Word format and it will be compatible with Word. No good for writing books as the keyboards are too small for comfort over prolonged periods.
Remember netbooks don't have a cd or dvd drive.
If you intend running your mp3 player, sat nav and other peripherals you MAY have problems with compatibility but you might enjoy a challenge.
I badly want a Linux notebook but I can't justify buying one as I never go out. :)
ethel
if you never go out ... surely your knees must be less muscular than they were ... so a lighter machine exerting less pressure over a smaller lap area must be a plus.
....in some ways almost a medical necessity?
.... and I hear some of them actually perform better after a 30 mins wool cycle ....
and there is talk of a usb biscuit barrel and maybe a pcmcia murray mint holder, maybe even a firewire cocoa mug. you only need a cd drive if you drink cans
you know you want one..... }:o/
if you never go out ... surely your knees must be less muscular than they were ... so a lighter machine exerting less pressure over a smaller lap area must be a plus.
....in some ways almost a medical necessity?
.... and I hear some of them actually perform better after a 30 mins wool cycle ....
and there is talk of a usb biscuit barrel and maybe a pcmcia murray mint holder, maybe even a firewire cocoa mug. you only need a cd drive if you drink cans
you know you want one..... }:o/
Hi Ethel..I don`t get out much.,either.Cannot walk far without my poor legs and feet killing me,
I go to the caravan a lot and do go abroad..although the airports....I hate them! I get help around them which I find SO embarrassing!!!!!
I am not in my dotage....in case you are all thinking that..but have had the misfortune to have inherited my grandmother`s ailment.,sciatica...one thing which is still untouched...my heart,....it`s still very young!!!!!
My laptop goes to the caravan but find it too heavy to take abroad..especially with baggage restrictions the way they are.Hence,the interest in a notebook.
ACtheTROLL,does have point,would be much lighter on the knees .I have noticed how my laptop affects them after a while.
I have a lap tray which I find does help...if you havn`t used one,Ethel...try it.
I`m off now to surf the net for my notebook.
Have a good evening all
I go to the caravan a lot and do go abroad..although the airports....I hate them! I get help around them which I find SO embarrassing!!!!!
I am not in my dotage....in case you are all thinking that..but have had the misfortune to have inherited my grandmother`s ailment.,sciatica...one thing which is still untouched...my heart,....it`s still very young!!!!!
My laptop goes to the caravan but find it too heavy to take abroad..especially with baggage restrictions the way they are.Hence,the interest in a notebook.
ACtheTROLL,does have point,would be much lighter on the knees .I have noticed how my laptop affects them after a while.
I have a lap tray which I find does help...if you havn`t used one,Ethel...try it.
I`m off now to surf the net for my notebook.
Have a good evening all
If you're looking for netbooks, take a look at these three:
Dell mini 9
Samsung NC010
Asus EEE 1000H
I have the last one. It's great, but the right shift key is annoying for a touch-typist like myself. The NC10 is the one I'd change to now if I could do easily and cheaply. The Dell is also nice, but has a smaller battery (get 6-cell or more, for a decent battery life).
The Asus EEE PCs have a great community around them, especially for Linux stuff. Having a good community helps if you get stuck, as someone else has probably had the same issue and fixed it.
Dell mini 9
Samsung NC010
Asus EEE 1000H
I have the last one. It's great, but the right shift key is annoying for a touch-typist like myself. The NC10 is the one I'd change to now if I could do easily and cheaply. The Dell is also nice, but has a smaller battery (get 6-cell or more, for a decent battery life).
The Asus EEE PCs have a great community around them, especially for Linux stuff. Having a good community helps if you get stuck, as someone else has probably had the same issue and fixed it.
Ac - you've made me splutter crumbs all over my keyboard - thanks for nowt.
My lap is far too full of tummy to accommodate a laptop or even netbook- I sit all prim and proper at a table.
Kloof, I too go abroad to escape the winter - I don't go out much once I get there. The balcony is right on the seafront....
My lap is far too full of tummy to accommodate a laptop or even netbook- I sit all prim and proper at a table.
Kloof, I too go abroad to escape the winter - I don't go out much once I get there. The balcony is right on the seafront....
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